KABUL: Norway has officially accepted a diplomat appointed by Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the move in a statement on Thursday. It said Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi thanked Norway’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan for accepting the envoy. Muttaqi called the decision a “significant step” to build mutual trust and improve bilateral ties.
Muttaqi also expressed concern over the regional situation, especially in Iran. He said the Afghan government stands ready to support the Iranian people based on Islamic and humanitarian values.
The Afghan Foreign Ministry added that the Norwegian envoy restated Norway’s views on regional developments. He also said a high-level Norwegian delegation will soon visit Kabul to explore deeper diplomatic cooperation.
Norway is not part of the European Union but follows many EU foreign policy actions. It is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), which gives weight to its international decisions.
This move comes as the global debate continues on how to deal with the Taliban government. Most countries have not recognized it since the Taliban took power in August 2021.
